Quick note. Can you tell me why they didn’t start the Sunday Night versus games this week (January 22nd)???? They have 2 great games, either one, if exclusive, would have been a great draw on Versus. Bruins/Flyers always draws well on Versus, and a Caps/Pens game would also. I checked the schedule and it has both these games listed as NBC @ 3pm. Maybe they will put one on Versus.

March 11
1:00 Los Angeles vs. Chicago OR Boston vs. Pittsburgh (I’ll go with Kings/Blackhawks. It would be a statement if they played that game. It actually makes more sense. Bruins/Pens will still draw good numbers on Versus.)

Apr. 7
12:30 Buffalo vs. Boston OR Washington vs. NY Rangers OR Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh OR Chicago vs. Detroit (Whichever game is more important standings wise. The Chicago/Detroit games are always great, so I’ll chose that one if none of the games actually matter. I’m hoping for Bruins/Sabres though)

Not counting the regional games, or the April 7th game, you would have no repeat games (I think last year the Flyers/Rangers played 3 times…) Flyers play 3 times, Blackhawks 3, Bruins 3, Rangers 2, Pens 2, Red Wings 2, Capitals 2, Sabres/Kings/Wild all play once.

Only certainty I see is Bruins/Rangers on March 4 if they stay at the top of the standings. How many Boston/NY games has NBC aired? Those two markets, if the teams are good, is a ratings winner in any sport.

You have to figure that the Washington/Pittsburgh game is a lock for 1/22. NBC has generated huge ratings for that game in the past and won’t pass up their only chance to get it this year.

There’s also a good potential storyline with the Washington/Philly game on March 4th. Hunter is now the coach and Jagr plays for the Flyers. Also, don’t forget that NBC owns the local affilate in D.C. so their costs of broadcasting a game from there are lower.